General Discussion - Update on Employment status

Author

Update on Employment status

Trafficstryker

2002-10-19, 4:33 pm

Just a little update on my current employment status. I talked to a man who is a partner in a new ISP, Web page design, repairing and selling new computers, networking. Currently, he and his wife are the only ones there. They are independently wealthy and just looking for a new hobby. They have an office set up with a TON of new and used computer hardware/software. They are planning to expand their business to DSL soon and to three offices in the tri-state area. He told me that he would pay for as much training and testing for certifications. He said he would pay an hourly salary of $8.50. What do you all think? What should I look out for?

Sam

Their Web site is: www.baney.net It doesn’t have much yet, but it gives a little info on what they provide.

Supertech

2002-10-19, 5:45 pm

That's $17.6K a year. That's not much.
By taking advantage of the training and certification, you can increase that by quite a bit. I consider any tuition benefits a raise. I hope he realizes he is only training you for your next job! Perhaps if you make a good hand he will figure out he needs to keep you, and that requires an increase in pay.

If you can live on $17.6K a year, I say go for it. Consider it an investment in your future.

Trafficstryker

2002-10-19, 5:49 pm

Yeah, I left a law enforcement job making nearly twice that much. I am really considering it for the experience and free training. Maybe it will be a good move.

maltliquorbull

2002-10-19, 5:51 pm

Well, I don't know you're current situation, but there are pro's and cons to this in my opinion.
While the offer to pay for certification training sounds tempting, the pay doesn't.
You would be able to get a lot of hands on experience too, which would be really nice and would definitely help out in the long run.
If you're ok with the pay, it sounds like a pretty good opportunity. If the pay is holding you up, then maybe ask if you can work there part-time, and still have the option of cert training. That way you can have another part-time job that possibly pays more. Just a suggestion.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

Trafficstryker

2002-10-19, 6:02 pm

The part time idea is actually a very good idea. I am, however, working with a medical transcription business and it is only part time hours. I make about $20-30/hr, but it is only about 2-3 hrs a day. I work on that at home and I have a 24 Hr time period to complete the work.

I might be able to do both.

Trafficstryker

2002-10-19, 6:07 pm

Another thing guys,

He said that he would require a two year contract that stated I wouldn't work for any of his competition after I left. I know that is smart on his part, but worth it for me?

maltliquorbull

2002-10-19, 6:14 pm

Well, it sounds like you could pull the part-time thing. It might be a good idea. This contract, is it to work with him for 2 years, or just "not" to work for any of his competition for 2 years?

Since they are an ISP company, seems their only real competition would be other internet service providers. Once you get the experience you need, you would have a lot more options and wouldn't have to necessarily work for his competition.

Trafficstryker

2002-10-19, 6:21 pm

Yeah, I think I should probably jump at this one. This is kind of a mom & pop organization so far(about 65 ISP clients), but this guy seems to have a plan and a huge expansion vision.

maltliquorbull

2002-10-19, 6:24 pm

Experience is worth a thousand jobs.

Good luck man.

darthw

2002-10-20, 1:33 pm

Just be sure that any contract you sign, clarifies that you are not to work for any prospective competitors, not just any IT firms, or positions. Also, will you be expected to repay costs associated with training if you would leave within a certain time period? I've worked for two companies that required payment for any training if you left within 6 months of receiving the paid training.

It really sounds like it may be a good opportunity. And I can understand the owner not wanting you to take a position with an ISP competitor for some time to protect his interests, however don't corral yourself.

namrak

2002-10-20, 2:04 pm

Working at an ISP is a great idea. Be sure to specify your financial growth within the company. I think the $8.50/hr is a bit low in my opinion, but as long as their are review periods for raises, obtaining experience is worth more.

Non-compete contracts are pretty standard as I had to sign one when I started teaching for my training center. Check to see if their is a distance limit. I couldn't hire on with a competitor inside of 25 miles. You should also think about the possibility (even if you don't think it will happen) of the ISP closing up shop. If you sign the 2-yr contract, try to get some protection written in such as severance pay.

The paid training part can be a hit or miss. Some will lure in help with the promise of paid training. Try to get that in writing and try to take advantage of that offer as soon as possible. Don't forget to send him the bill. Good luck.

jonhiker

2002-10-21, 5:36 pm

To echo what others have said.

The money is very low, but, if you don't have any experience or certs, it might be worth it for the one thing it offers:experience. Training, certs, & education don't go far in IT w/out real world experience.

If they are offering anon-compete contract clause, also get that paid training in the same contract.

A good/bad issue is: you're getting in on the ground floor. That can speak many volumes.

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